l°[ 



°S 635 

Z9 
8357 
Copy 1 



PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS 









*^x<s 









VX^t 







GEORGIANNA'S 
WEDDING GOWN 

A FARCE IN TWO ACTS 
BY 

BELL BAYLESS 















/®^> 






^^ 


3® 




Iwl 




9?r 






4^^f 






SS 


>K^ 


l) la^Vl^r Km* 


^L 












II 


mi 


*) JJKA^Jftf (t 


^J^ 





















DICK & FITZGERALD 

PUBLISHERS 

18 Ann Street, New York 



t^pif(vx^f)j,iKPir(VX^ 






rTV5S 


















PLAYS FOR FEMALE CHARACTERS ONLY 

15 CENTS EACH 

w 

CRAWFORD DAMES. 2Scenes; \\i hours... 8 

GERTRUDE MASON", M.D. 1 Act; 30 minutes 7 

CHEERFUL. COMPANION. 1 Act; 25 minutes 2 

LESSON IN ELEGANCE. 1 Act; 30 minutes. ., ,,,.... 4 

MAIDENS ALL FORLORN. 3 Acts; 1^ hours 6 

MURDER WILL OUT. 1 Act; 30 minutes 6 

ROMANCE OF PHYLLIS. 3 Acts; 134 hours. 4 

SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS. 1 Act; 45 minutes 5 

OUTWITTED. 1 Act; 20 minutes 3 

WHITE DOVE OF ONEIDA. 2 Acts; 45 minutes 4 

SWEET FAMILY. 1 Act; lhour 8 

BELLES OF BLACKYTLLE. 1 Act; 2 hours 30 

PRINCESS KIKU. (25 cents) 13 

RAINBOW KIMONA. (25 cents.) 2 Acts; 1^ hours. „ ... . 9 

MERRY OLD MAIDS. (25 cents.) Motion Song 11 



PLAYS FOR MALE CHARACTERS ONLY 

J5 CENTS EACH 

M 

APRILi FOOLS. : Act; 30 minutes..., 8 

BTKD AND HURD. 1 Act; 40 minutes ,...., 6 

DARKEY WOOD DEALER. 1 Act; 20 minutes 3 

WANTED, A MAHATMA. 1 Act; 30 minutes. 4 

HOLY TERROR. 1 Act; 30 minutes 4 

MANAGER'S TRIALS. 1 Act; lhour 9 

MEDICA. 1 Act; 35 minutes . . . . # 7 

NIGGER NIGHT SCHOOL. • 1 Act; 30 minutes 6 

SLIM JIM AND THE HOODOO. lAct: 30 minutes 5 

WANTED. A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. 1 Act; 30 minutes 6 

SNOBSON'S STAG PARTY. 1 Act; 1 hour 12 

PICKLES AND TICKLES. 1 Act; 20minutes... 6 

HARVEST STORM. 1 Act; 40 minutes 10 

CASE OF HERR BAR ROOMSKI. Mock Trial; 2 hours..,. 28 

DARKEY BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. Mock Trial 22 

GREAT LIBE L CASE . Mock Trial ; 1 Scene ; 2 hours 21 

RIDING THE GOAT. Burlesque Initiation; 1 Scene; 1^ hours 24 

DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 18 Ann Street, N. Y. 
$$$$$$$$$$$&$$$$$$$$$$& 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown 



a jfarcc tn Zwo Bets 



BY 

BELL BAYLESS 



Copyright, 1914, by Dick & Fitzgerald 



NEW YORK 
DICK & FITZGERALD 

18 Ann Street 



^ 






y\> 



JAN 22 1914 knXrftyteW 



)t\.D 357 3 2 

Ho/ 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown 



CHARACTERS. 

Madge Gilliard .The hostess 

Jane Tolbert f) 

Emma Ridley L Guests 

Virginia Hoyt 

Georgianna Clay The colored hride elect 

Aunt Juliette An old negress 



Time. — The present. Locality. — A country village. 
Time of Playing. — One and three-quarter hours. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Madge's sitting-room. Morning. Janna discovers 
Miss Madge's white dress and is obliged to shake the dust out 
of it. " De win' took and blowed dat box spang down from de 
shelf." Unexpected visitors. Jane brings real news. A new 
young man in town. " May be there'll be a wedding some 
day." Smelling salts used for toothache. William Henry says 
Georgianna must be ready to-night and must wear white, so 
she borrow's Aunt Juliette's shroud. " Bein' married in a 
shroud is a sight better 'an not to git married at all." The calf 
ate the shroud. The girls decided to make Georgianna's wed- 
ding dress. " Am it gwine to hab a trail and dese here mecord- 
ium pleats? " " Willum Henry jes' loves ruffles." " Make it low 
neck and short sleeves." 

Act II. — Scene, same as Act I. Afternoon of the same day. 
Trying on Georgianna's dress. Sewing hair in the wedding 
dress for luck. The bride practices walking with a train. 
Borrowing shoes, veil, wreath and breast pin. Aunt Juliette 
looking for the one who took her shroud. Girls coax Auntie 
to tell their fortunes. " No, no, I'd be tu'ned outen de chu'ch." 
Georgianna overhears Auntie telling fortunes and threatens 
to report her. " Give me dat dress for my grave clothes." 
" I'll give you my calf to pay for it." " I'ze got William 
Henry." 

3 



4 Georgianna's Wedding Gown, 

COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Madge, Jane, Emma and Virginia are young girls of about 
20. They wear light summer dresses. 

Virginia has a large white veil draped about her hat. 

Emma's dress is trimmed with light blue ribbons. 

Jane wears a sunbonnet. 

Georgianna. A colored girl of about 20. Act I, checked 
gingham dress and apron. Act II, white dress. 

Aunt Juliette. An old negress. Wears a large-figured 
cotton dress. 

INCIDENTAL PROPERTIES. 

Broom and tray with glasses of water for Georgianna. A 
pair of gentlemen's soiled white tennis shoes, coffee in coffee 
pot and cup for Madge. Pretty white dress, white slippers 
in wardrobe; also a large box containing a white hat with 
feathers. Fashion books and chalk for whitening shoes in 
closet. Thimble, scissors, oil can, patterns and other sewing 
material in machine drawers. Breast pin in jewelry box in 
dresser drawer. Stick for Juliette. Piece of white material of 
about twelve yards for Jane. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

As seen by a performer on the stage facing the audience, r. 
means right hand; l., left hand; c, center of stage; c. d., door 
at center of rear flat; d. l., door at left; d. r., door at right. 
Up means toward back of stage; down, toward footlights. 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown 



ACT I. 



SCENE. — Sitting-room in the home of Madge Gilliabd. 
Morning. Doors at e. and l., also door in c. of rear flat. 
Wardrobe up l. Sewing machine up b. Oil can and 
several patterns in machine drawer. Folding table behind 
machine. Dresser with large mirror e. Smelling salts, 
powder box, comb and brush and other toilet articles 
neatly arranged on dresser. Closet against l. tcall. Books 
and vase containing a bunch of flowers on table, u. Chairs 
placed conveniently about the room. Pictures on wall. 
DISCOVERED Geobgiaxxa sweeping and dusting, sniffl- 
ing and icimpering as she works. 

Geoegiaxxa. Dat's jes de way. Ain't nuffin' in dis worl' ez 
contrary ez cows. (Sniffles) Here I'ze to be married to-night 
an' no weddin' dress. (Weeps and sweeps, slams chairs 
around) Wondah if Miss Madge got enthin' I cud borry 
'thout her knowin' it? She had a pow'ful pritty white dress 
when she went a-visitin' las' month but I ain't see her weah 
it sence she come back. I'll jes look in dis press. De lock 
doan hoi' tight. (Fumbles with wardrobe lock till door swings 
open) Here 'tis, des ez white an' pritty. Wondah if she'd sell 
it to me, den I cud weah it to camp meetin' de fourth Sunday. 
(Spreads out skirt, measures it on herself and struts) I7h- 
huh! Yo' see dat trail, doan yo'? It des floats out dat a-way. 
(Holds waist up in front of her) It ud be pow'ful tight, but 
dat doan count ez long ez de cosset strings holds out. (Goes 
to mirror, bows and prances) Ain't I lovely! (After pro- 
longed admiration of herself she lays the dress over a chair, 
clasps her hands and gazes at it in rapture) Now, when I 
goes to preachin' in dat dress, dem niggers gwine twist dey 
heads roun' an' roun', a-tryin' fur to git a glimpse of me. 
Uh-huh! Law me! (Dejectedly) I furgot I ain't got nuffin' 

5 



6 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

to weah on my head. Sholy Miss Madge ud nevah go to de 
city 'thout gittin' a new hat. (Peers into the wardrobe and 
brings out a bandbox. Takes out a white hat) Fur de Ian' 
sake! (Holds it above her head carefully and goes to the 
glass) Ain't I jes be-oo-tiful? Uh-huh! I'd give enthin' to 
pin it on but I dassent. One time Missy foun' lil scrap of 
wool in de linin' of her Sunday hat. Trubble in de Ian' den, I 
tell yo'. (Preens and prances before the mirror, rubs powder 
on her face) Janna had to be pow'ful keerful dose days. 
Uh-huh ! Law, law ! Ain't I jes de pritties' thing dat evah 
happen? JJh-huh! (Lays hat on dress and stands in a perfect 
ecstacy of admiration) 

Madge ( off stage ) . Janna ! 

Geobgianna. Might a knowed it. (Sweeping vigorously) 
Keeps me awuckin' fum sun-up till plum dark 'thout a minit's 
rest. (Sniffles) 

Madge (off stage). Oh, Janna! 

Geobgianna. Jes like I tole yo\ No peace for Janna. 
(Sweeps harder) 

Madge (off stage) Georgianna Clay! 

Geobgianna. Yassum, yassum! (Grabs dress and shakes 
it hard) 

ENTER Madge d. r. 

Madge (rushing to Geobgianna and seizing the dress). 
Georgianna, what are you doing with my best white dress out in 
all this dust? It won't be fit to be seen. (Examines skirt) 
There, I knew it. You've torn part of the lace off this ruffle, 
shaking so hard. What business have you in that wardrobe 
anyhow ? 

Geobgianna (reproachfully). Now, Miss Madge, it is all dat 
contrary doah. It jes would keep fly in' open all de time I uz 
sweepin', an' de dust jes' rolled in all ovah yo' dress so I uz 
'bleeged to shake it fer yo'. 

Madge. Shake! I reckon you were obliged to shake my 
Sunday hat out of the box, too. (Turns the crown up and 
looks at it, then suspiciously at Geobgianna) 

Geobgianna. De win' took an' blowed dat box spang down 
fum de shelf an' I uz skeert to pick it up fer f eah some of dem 
f eathas uz busted. Dat's de Lawd's trufe, Miss Madge, hope I 
may nevah draw anotha bref if 'tain't. 

Madge (relenting). Well, perhaps I didn't put it up very 
securely. (Hangs up dress in wardrobe) 






Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 7 

Georgianna (aside). I dassent say a word about buyin' it 
now (Resumes broom and brushes dirt out the door) 

[EXIT Geokgianna d. l. 

Madge (examining her hat critically). I wonder if she did 
have it on. That would spoil my whole pleasure in wearing 
this hat and it is the sweetest one I've had in a long time. 
What a satisfaction it is to go into a big store and select just 
what one fancies instead of ordering by mail or putting up 
with what can be found in a country store. But it is simply 
horrid to feel that you haven't any real ownership in your 
clothes, that every time you walk down the street some darkey 
is thinking how she will strut in that very dress when she can 
nag you into selling it to her. (Tries on hat before the 
mirror) Yes, it certainly is becoming, and such a bargain. 
(Pulls out puffs of hair at sides) Dear me, I'm brown as an 
Indian since I returned home. Living in the country makes a 
girl careless about her complexion. (Rubs on some potvder) 
I don't think I ever had a prettier hat. And there's Janna-r 
I'm sure she counts on buying it before the summer is over. 
That was all nonsense about the box blowing down. There 
hasn't been a breath of wind all day and I left that door 
locked when I went to the dining-room. But it is so hard to 
get servants one has to put up with a great deal. (Busies her- 
self straightening the room) This is the dryest old place. 
How I hate the country! Not an agreeable young man for 
miles No wonder there are more old maids in this county 
than any other in the state. What's the use of pretty dresses 
and pretty hats? No one sees them. (Voices off stage) Here 
comes someone! 

ENTER Emma and Virginia c. d. 

Madge (goes to meet them at c. d.). Oh, you dears! It is 
so good of you to run in when I'm so lonesome. 

Emma. Where are your mother and father? 

Madge. Gone to the conference. 

Virginia. That's where mine have gone and I'm too big a 
coward to stay at home by myself. 

Emma. So am I. The house never seems big till there s 
nobody in it but me, and then it stretches half a mile along the 
road with a door or window every ten steps and an old tramp 
rattling at every one. 

Madge. I know just what that is, especially at night. 

Virginia. Father doesn' think it safe to leave us alone at 



8 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

night now-a-days, so he won't even go to town to his lodge. 
(Madge places chairs for the girls and all sit) 

Emma. But we came to hear all about your visit. 

Virginia. Yes. Go on and tell it, from the moment you got 
on the cars. 

ENTER Jane c. d., wearing a sunbonnet. 

Jane. Here, here! Stop! I forbid the banns. Don't you 
tell a thing until I get there. 

Madge {rising to greet Jane and placing chair for her). 
I'm so glad to see you. Now our crowd is complete. Take 
off your bonnet this minute. How stupid of me not to ask 
you girls to take off your hats. Of course you'll spend the day. 
(Takes hats and puts them in room off d. b.) 

Jane (holding bonnet close to her face). Not mine. You 
don't see me face to face this day. I've got toothache and look 
a perfect sight. But the folks have all gone to conference 
and left me alone (Girls laugh) and I saw you all come here, 
so I came too. How much am I offered for a piece of news, 
real news? (Girls gasp) Don't all speak at once. 

Virginia. News ! Here? 

Emma. I don't believe it. This place was finished before 
the glacial period. That's why to-day is so hot. You only 
dreamed news. 

Madge. For goodness sake, tell it ! Don't keep us in sus- 
pense. 

Virginia. Think of the weather and spare us unnecessary 
exertion. 

Jane. Well, don't faint, but there is actually a new man 
in these wilds. 

Emma. Whoop! (Dances around her chair) 

Madge. Too good to be true. 

Virginia. Oh, happy day : Madge, where did you take my 
hat? I want to toss it up and holloa. 

Emma. What is he like? Young? Handsome? Rich? 

Jane. All three. He has bought the old Carter place and 
intends to plant an immense peach orchard on those old red 
hills. 

Madge. The dear fellow ! 

Virginia. Have you seen him? 

Emma. Who do you think will catch him? 

Jane. No, I haven't seen him, but pa promised to ride over 









Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 9 

there and call this week, and then I can invite him to oar 
picnic so we'll all have a chance. 

Madge. You angel! But a girl as pretty as you can afford 
to be generous. 

Jane. You forget my tooth. Is it much swollen? {Throws 
off bonnet. All examine her face critically) 

Virginia. You wouldn't know you had a tooth in your 
head. 

Jane. Wouldn't I? Well, I reckon if it was your wisdom 
tooth coming through you'd know it. 

Emma. Does it hurt much, honey? 

Jane. Listen to the infant. The man who said " Ignorance 
is bliss " certainly was cutting wisdom teeth that minute. He 
couldn't have expressed it better. (Gets up and walks about 
the room. Stops at dresser) 

Madge. Take that bottle of smelling salts and see if sniffing 
it won't relieve you. 

Jane (handles ornaments on dresser, rubs powder on her 
face, takes bottle and smells it; jumps). Please, somebody 
tell me what to say. I'm a church member. (Laughter) 
Water, water ! that took my breath away. 

Madge. How forgetful I am! You must be dreadfully 
thirsty. (Goes to d. l., and calls) Janna, Janna, bring some 
fresh water for the young ladies. (Returns) But when did 
this wonderful man fall on the community? Did he tumble 
from an airship? How did he ever hear of this dead-alive 
spot? 

Jane. He's related to the Claytons. They say he has 
travelled everywhere until he's tired out and wants to settle 
down. 

Virginia. Hurrah ! May be there'll be a wedding some day. 
I'd begun to think there never would be another, not even a 
negro wedding, for us to go to. 

Emma. If one of us gets him she must have the others for 
bride's maids and make him invite a lot of city men — to give the 
rest a show. 

ENTER Georgianna d. l., with tray of glasses of water. 
Sniffles as she passes the glasses. 

Jane (taking glass). That isn't fair. You have a beau 
already. 

Emma. Who said so, I'd like to know. (Takes glass and 
drinks) 






10 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Madge. As if everybody didn't know about him! 

Virginia. How about those empty candy boxes in your 
closet? (Takes glass) 

Emma (rising to put glass on dresser). Oh, you all are 
after me too close. (Runs comb through her hair and dabs 
powder on her face before turning toward the others who are 
laughing at her. Notices Georgianna who has been sniffling 
audibly all the time) Why, what is the matter with you, 
Janna? Has your sweetheart gone back on you? 

Georgianna (sniffles). Yassum; no'm; least aways dar 
ain't no tellin' what a man gwine do till he does it. 

Jane. Oh, you don't mean that! 

Virginia. Who is he, Janna? 

Emma. I thought no one here ever had a beau. You're 
ahead of the rest of us. (Georgianna collects glasses and 
puts tray on the table) 

All. What a fib! Will you listen to that girl? After we 
caught up with her, too. 

Madge (uneasy at the prospect of losing her servant). When 
are you going to step off, Janna? 

Georgianna. Dat's jes' what I'ze a worryin' 'bout. Me an' 
Willum Henry uz gwine to be married to-night but de calf 
done et up my dress. (Sniffles) 

All. The calf ! 

Emma. How mean! Haven't you another dress? 

Virginia. Can't you postpone the wedding? 

Georgianna. No'm, I ain't got nary notha dress 'cept dis 
ole cotton checks. (Sobs) 

Madge. That pink lawn I gave you last summer 

Georgianna. It ain't fitten, Miss Madge, I'ze done growed 
some since den, an' it's done shwunked, till one night at chu'ch 
sistah Riah got happy an' 'menced to beat me on de back, an' 
it split up de middle like a locus' outen his shirt. An' de 
bottom uv de skirt is all frazzled out 'count of me gittin' 
skeert of a snake crossin' de fiel' an' runnin' plum thoo a 
briah patch. (Sobs) 

All (looking at each other). What a pity! (To Georgi- 
anna) Can't you have another dress made? 

Georgianna. No'm. Willum Henry he sez I'ze been a-foolin' 
him long nuff an' if I doan 'pear all ready dis vehy night to 
stan' up an' say de word, he gwine reach out his han' to 
Yaller Sue an' haul her up befo' de preacha. Sue she's been 
a-eechin' to cut me out evah since me an' Willum Henry been 
a-courtin', an' every time I wen' to preachin' wid somebody 






Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 11 

else — here he'd come up de aisle 'long side old Yaller Sue. 
Tears like I jes can't stan' it. (Sobs. Girls all look sympa- 
thetic) I didn' hab no money to buy a new dress, kaze it took 
all de fambly made las' week to pay Bud outen dat council 
scrape Sat'd'y night, so I jes borried ole Aunt Julyette's grave 
cloze 'thout her a-knowin' it 

All. Grave clothes ! To be married in ! ! Horrors ! ! ! 

Georgian n a. Yassum, dat's how it 'peared to me ; but sump- 
in' bleeged to be did. Yo' know Aunt Julyette's a ole ooman. 
She's been 'spectin' to die sudden since long befo' I uz born, 
an' had her shroud ready. 

Madge. I remember. One time her house burned and she 
was more distressed about the loss of her shroud than all her 
household goods. 

Emma. Yes, she was living on our place then, and her 
folks had to get her another before night. Father thinks 
she's about half crazy. 

Virginia. They say she's a most wonderful fortune teller. 

Jane. She's a regular witch. You may depend on it. 
You'd better watch out, Janna. 

Georgianna. Ain't I ez oneasy ez I kin be? I'ze so skeert 
she'll cunjur me, I'ze walkin' on pins dis minit. 

Virginia. But surely you wouldn't have been married in a 
shroud? 

Georgianna. It's a sight better 'an not to git married at 
all. 

All. Oh, yes, of course! 

Madge. But what had the calf to do with it? 

Georgianna. Wall, 'm, I took an' washed an' starched it 
aftah I wen' home last night 

Emma. Starched the calf? (Laughter) 

Georgianna. Law, Miss Em, yo' is de beatinest t'ing ! No'm. 
Washed dem grave cloze an' hung 'em on de bushes. I 
was aimin' to iron 'em befo' I come here dis mawnin', but 
I diden' git a chanct, kaze pa he called me intuh de house 
befo' I fotched in de shroud; an' dat calf broke thoo de 
palin's an' et up de tail an' paht of one sleeve. (Sobs) 
Aunt Julyette suah will rave when she finds dem t'ings gone; 
an' I'm right suah she'll cunjur me. (Sobs, long and loud) 
I hope she'll cunjur Bud, — an' — an' — an' Yaller Sue, too. 
(Renewed sobs) 

Madge. I don't wonder you feel uneasy. 

Emma. The idea of anyone being reduced to such a pass ! 

Virginia. That's just like a cow, only a calf is worse. 



12 Georgianna's Wedding Gown, 

Mother hung her finest tablecloth out the window to dry a 
place where water had been spilled on it, and a neighbor's 
calf worked open the gate, got in the yard and ate the whole 
corner out (They start to suggest the gate or the yard) 
of the cloth, thank you, ladies. 

Jane. Do you suppose her sweetheart will marry the other 
girl? 

Georgianna. O, yassum, he will — (Sob) An' she's got de 
prittiest white dress ready, all ruffles an' trimmin'. Dat ole 
shroud nevah did look like nuffin but a nightgown nohow. O, 
ain't nary one of y'alls got a white dress you'll sell me? 
(Looks hopefully from one to the other) 

Virginia. There's my red muslin 

Georgianna. No, no. Willum Henry 'clare he ain't gwine 
hab nobody what doan weah white. 

Emma. I've a lilac flowered lawn 

Georgianna. Oo-hoo ! 

Jane. Wouldn't a blue striped dimity do? You can hardly 
see the blue at night. 

Georgianna. He cud tell it, I knows he cud ; an' might 
quit me aftahwahds kaze I fooled him. (Renewed weeping. 
Madge sits very straight with her mouth firmly closed. 
Georgianna looks appealingly at Madge) Miss Madge! 

Madge. Oh, I can't, Janna, I just can't It's the prettiest 
dress I've had in ages. 

Georgianna. I'll wash for yo' — I'll work for yo' for years, 
Miss Madge. (Holds hands out beseechingly) 

Madge. Don't, Janna, I can't. (Goes to wardrobe, takes out 
dress and spreads it out before her. Girls all gather around 
to admire it, lift up ruffles and examine them) See how fine 
the goods is, and how I rolled and whipped every bit of that 
lace myself — yards of it? You all know how slow I am about 
sewing. And there's that picnic— Oh, I just can't. There's no 
use talking about it. (Puts dress away) 

Georgianna (falling on her knees). Can't somebody do 
sumpin? 

Virginia. Couldn't we make her one? (Georgianna weeps 
harder but peeps carefully around at each) 

Emma. There's no white goods at the cross roads store and 
it's five miles to town— with all the horses busy on the crops. 

Georgianna (ivildly). Oh, Willum Henry! 

Madge. We couldn't possibly make a dress in a day. 

Georgianna. Oo-hoo-booh ! (Grovels on the floor) 

Jane. Hush your fuss, Janna. You shall have your dress. 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 13 

I've some muslin I meant for ruffled curtains for my room. I 
can't afford to give it to you 

Geobgianna (rises). No'm, I doan ax nobody to give me 
nuffin. I'll work for yo'. I'll wean my fingahs to de bone. 

Jane. All right. When you are Mrs. William Henry and 
feel too big to work in the house for Miss Madge you can 
cook for me. See what comes of cutting a wisdom tooth, girls. 
I've solved the problem. 

Virginia. Well, don't be conceited about your old grinder 
but run along and get your stuff so we can go to work. It's 
good luck to sew on a wedding dress and I'm anxious to be- 
gin. We'll look up patterns while you're gone. 

[EXIT Jane c. d. 

Emma. Roll out your machine, Madge. Where are your 
thimbles and scissors? (Madge takes thimbles and scissors 
from machine drawer and rolls machine into middle of the 
room) 

Geobgianna (goes to closet and flings fashion magazines, 
one by one, over her shoulder into the room). Here's dem pic- 
ture books. 

Madge. Prepare to lose your religion, whoever volunteers 
to do the stitching. I heard a preacher read about the mean- 
est man in the Bible, Zimri, King of something, and I came 
home and christened this old threshing machine " Zimri, the 
second." (Gives oil can to Emma) 

Emma. Well, let's baptize his majesty before he is called 
into use. (Oiling the machine) Zimri, I baptize thee. May 
this oil lubricate the kinks in your disposition and bring you 
to a realizing sense of the important duties you are this day 
to perform. 

Virginia. Hush, Em. That sounds scandalous. I'm going 
to cut out. Mother says I never leave scraps enough for her 
quilts. (While speaking she moves about the room, stops at 
dresser, gives her hair a few pats, rubs powder on her face) 
This must be a swell garment, let me tell you all. 

Geobgianna (sitting on the floor, center, looks at books). 
Uh-huh! (Turns over a leaf) Dat's me. 

Madge. My skirts are the right length for Janna 

Geobgianna (turning leaf). No, dat's me. 

Madge. Only we'll have to make it bigger in the waist. 

Geobgianna (indignantly). Who's bigger in de wais' dan 
you? ME? I ain't. 

Madge. Why, Janna, you know you can't get into my 
clothes. 



14 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Geobgiaxxa. I know I does do it. If I laces mysel' to def, 
I gits into 'em. I tells yo' I ain't big in de wais'. Willum 

Henry he low (Laughter from the girls. Geobgiaxxa 

gives a disgusted grunt and returns to her book) Uh! 
(Growls) Big in de wais'! (Tunis leaf) Dat suah am me. 
See dat trail? (Aloud) Miss Madge, am it gwine nab a 
trail? 

Madge. No, of course not. How you'd look with a trail! 

Geobgiaxxa (sulkily). You's got a trail to yourn. 

Emma. How do you set this needle? 

Madge. With fear and trembling. (Goes to the machine 
and instructs her) I've worked half a day, many a time, to 
get it in right. 

Geobgiaxxa. Miss Gin, is it gwine hab dese yhere me- 
cordium pleats? 

Yibgixia. Gracious, no! We wouldn't get it done in a 
week if we tried to make those things. (Takes patterns out 
of machine drawer) 

Geobgiaxxa. Humph! Dey's pow'ful pritty. (Resumes 
her book while Yibgixia hunts through the patterns and con- 
sults Madge) 

Yibgixia. Is this your seven gored skirt pattern, honey? 

Madge. Yes. 

Geobgianxa (slapping the book). Dat's me, Miss Madge. 
Iz it gwine hab a ruffle? 

Yibgixia. We'll first have to see how much material there 
is. 

Geobgiaxxa. Willum Henry he jes' loves ruffles. 

ENTER Jaxe c. d. 

Jaxe. Here it is, twelve yards. (Girls all look at goods, 
unfold it and walk about the room measuring and calculating. 
Geobgiaxxa capers) 

Yibgixia. Oh, there's plenty for a ruffle. 

Geobgiaxxa. Two ruffles. Yaller Sue's dress got two or 
three ruffles. 

Madge. Be quiet, Janna. We haven't time to do so much 
sewing. 

Geobgiaxxa (whines). Two ruffles, she's got an' a great 
big sash. 

Emma. You shall have your sash, if I have to hem it. 

Madge. Don't talk so bigity before Zimri or he'll show 
off. 






Georgianna's Wedding Gown, * 15 

Virginia (opening the cutting table). Now, I'm going to 
stop talking and go to work. 

Madge. That's what we'd all better do. Janna, you'll have 
to prepare luncheon by yourself to-day while I help the young 
ladies. 

Georgianna (preparing awkwardly to get up). Yassum. 
De Lawd bless de las' one of yo\ (Rises and starts toward 
d. l.) Miss Madge, (Softly) please, mam, make it low neck 
an' short sleeve. 

Tableau of astonishment and amusement. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 



SCENE.— The same as Act I. Afternoon. DISCOVERED 
Georgianna c, wearing a white dress, hair pompadour. 
Emma sits at machine working on a sash f but is turned 
toward c. Madge, Virginia and Jane stand around 
Georgianna fixing the dress, commenting on the fit, etc. 

Virginia. I declare, Georgianna, you look lovely. 

Georgianna. Uh-huh! Dat's what Willum Henry gwine 
say, too, pritty soon. 

Madge. Stand still while I pin the skirt to the waist. 

Georgianna. Ow, ow! You's gittin' next to de meat, Miss 
Madge. 

Madge. You hush. I never touched you. 

Jane. Is it big enough? 

Georgianna. Co'se it am. I kin git my double fis' up 
undah it. 

Virginia. It looks a little bare in the neck. Haven't we 
some kind of a stock for it? 

Madge. There's not a scrap to make one out of. 

Georgianna. Ain't I got nuffin' to weah roun' my neck? 

Emma (taking off her own ribbon and handing it to Georg- 
ianna). Take that. It's blue and you must have something 
that color, you know. 

Georgianna. Thanky, ma'm. Miss Em, yo's got de pritties' 
dimples in de worl'. 

Virginia. Em, where did you sew in your hair? 



16 • Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Emma, (putting hand to head where her hair is twisted 
carelessly, showing prodigious wrestling with Zimri). My 
hair? Why, I left it where the Lord told it to grow, of course. 

Virginia. Oh, you know what I mean. Where did you sew 
one of your hairs in the dress? Mine is right here on the 
left side of the waist. 

Jane. I never heard of such a thing. What's it for? 

Virginia. Such ignorance! As if everybody didn't know 
it would bring you a new sweetheart to sew one of your hairs 
in a wedding dress. 

Madge. I declare, I forgot all about it. Here, Em, give me 
a bit of that sash. (Pulls out one of her hairs, threads 
needle with it, sits by the machine and sews) 

Jane. Such foolishness! But I won't risk the sins of 
omission. This may be the only wedding garment I'll ever 
have an opportunity to sew on, so I'll leave no stone unturned. 
(Pulls out hair, threads needle) Hold up your hand, Janna. 
I'm going to put mine in the left wrist. That's the hand you 
marry with. (Sews in hair) 

Emma, (has been working to adjust the machine needle). 
Here, don't finish that thing till I get mine in. 

Madge. No, you shall not do it. You're provided for 
already. (Tussles with Emma) 

Jane. Now, I want to know how this is to be managed. 
Only one man and each of us angling for him with a hair, 
as they say Lillith used to do, — strangle young men with a 
hair. 

Georgianna. So long ez he doan fin' 'em in de buttah he 
ain't got no cause to quahl. (Laughter) 

Emma, (starting to sew on the machine). Well, I mean 
to have a show, in spite of you. It's right here in the hem. 
(Looks at sewing) Zimri, please be a good boy. You are 
simply chewing this cloth. (Georgianna stands stiffly, not 
daring to lay a finger on her dress) 

Virginia. Now, Janna, you must practice walking with that 
train. You can't go skipping over briar patches without 
mussing those ruffles. 

Georgianna. Dat sutinly am so. I'ze gwine to tip 'long 
keerful, like dis. (Tiptoes across the stage. All watch her) 

Jane. That won't do. Folks'll think you are frightened. 

Virginia. Yes. Yellow Sue will think she has only to 
" Boo " at you and you'll run home ; then she'll get William 
Henry, in spite of your fine new frock. 

Georgianna (indignantly). Who? Me? Me skeert of 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 17 

Yaller Sue? I'ze gwine raze my head back an' walk right 
by where she's a-settin', jes' dis way. (Stamps across the 
stage. Laughter) 

Madge. No, no; that will not do at all, Janna. That isn't 
stylish. The city ladies all walk this way. (Glides grace- 
fully across the room) 

Geoegianna. Fer de Ian' sake, Miss Madge, yo' do look too 
funny; like yo' had on blindahs an' uz draggin' a harrer 
'cross a fiel'. 

Virginia. Try this way, then. (Walks with elbows dent, 
hands dropped from the turist) 

Geoegianna (laughing). Miss Gin, yo' is a sight! Yo' 
hands look zackly like Rovah's paws when he's a-beggin' fer 
a bone. 

Jane. Perhaps this would suit you better. (Skips and 
dances) 

Geoegianna. (smiles, satisfied). Does y'alls reckon dat ud 
look dis'spec'ful in chu'ch? 

All. Of course it would. You'd disgrace us. In that 
tight skirt! 

Geoegianna (dissatified; pouts). Dis yhere ain't no hobble 
skirt. See how I kin step! (Steps out) 

Emma. You must do as Miss Madge showed you if you 
want to be up-to-date. She has just come from the city and 
knows what is proper. 

Geoegianna (practicing the correct ivalk). Miss Madge, 
can't I switch none? 

Madge. Certainly not. That would not be elegant. 

Jane. Everybody would say you were so delighted at the 
idea of getting married you couldn't keep your feet on the 
ground. 

Geoegianna. Dat's mighty nigh de trufe, dough I'd fight 
enybody what sed it. 

Jane. What, fight me when I've sewed myself to death for 
you? 

Geoegianna. Yo' know I diden' mean nary one of yo'alls. 
I'ze a-talkin' 'bout dem triflin', no-count niggers what's al'ays 
a-sittin on de back benches, a-sniggerin' an' gwine on. 

Yieginia. It's lucky you explained yourself. I was prepar- 
ing to rip out every stitch I put in your old dress. 

Emma. And after me ruining my disposition over this old 
machine! I tell you, girls, Janna ought to give us something 
handsome for getting her a husband. 



18 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Virginia. Yes, indeed, — when we can't get one for our- 
selves. 

Madge. Of course she ought. Yellow Sue would be doing 
the strutting to-night and Janna be sitting away back in the 
corner if it had not been for us. What are you going to give 
us, Janna? 

Georgianna (after thinking a moment). Tells y'all what 
I'll do. I'll gee yo' de calf. He suah am a fine, han'sum one, 
an' y'all kin sell him an' pay Miss Jane fer de cloth, an' 
buy, — an' buy, — an' buy goodahs an' candy with de ballunce. 

Virginia. That's the ticket ! We'll have peanuts and candy, 
and you'll have an old man. 

Georgianna (practicing the correct walk). Ain't y'all gwine 
gee me none? (Virginia, Madge and Jane pick up scraps 
and straighten room during the following) 

Emma. Of course not. It is our calf now. You've got all 
that's coming to you. 

Georgianna (doubtfully). Uh-huh! But I does luv candy. 

Emma (wrathfully) . Zimri, if you don't behave I'll hitch 
you to the calf, and then maybe you'll go. (Shakes the 
machine) 

Madge. Get up and let me finish the stitching. Zimri thinks 
he's been worked over time. (Emma rises and Madge takes 
her place) I'll pull out the hair you sneaked in, just to pay 
you for being greedy. 

Emma (pushing her out of the chair and resuming her 
work). No, you shan't. I'd rather old Zimri took seven 
leagued stitches. 

Georgianna (walks across room once more). Oh, Miss 
Madge, I can't stan' it. I'ze bleeged to switch one time. When 
I passes de bench whar ole Yaller Sue's a-settin' in her ole 
secon' handed white dress what she bought from a ooman in 
Rome, I'ze gwine rare back an' go dis away. (Throivs head 
back, whole body twisting and switching) 

All ( laughing heartily ) . Go it, Janna ! William Henry'll 
think he has a monkey on his hands. Yellow Sue will turn 
green with envy. She can't hold a candle to you. (Georg- 
ianna hangs her head at their laughter, catches sight of her 
feet and all her pride and satisfaction vanish. Sobs.) 

Jane (sharply). What is the matter now? 

Georgianna. I — I — I can't git married. 

Virginia. Why not? There's your dress. 

Georgianna. Look at dem shoes. (Displays foot in worn 
brogan) 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 19 

Emma. Well, if you carry yourself nicely instead of doing 
a cake walk, no one will see them. 

Georgian n a. Willum Henry he'll see 'em, an' I knows he'll 
'spize me fer thinkin' he'd hab a gal what wore seen shoes, 
let 'lone 'lowin' tuh git married in 'em. (Sobs) 

Jane. We certainly cannot make shoes for you, Janna. 

Georgianna. (opens the wardrobe door and sets out a pair 
of white slippers on the floor) Yaller Sue's slippahs is white 
an' got big bows on 'em. 

Madge (angrily). Georgianna, you couldn't get your toes in 
those slippers. Put them right back where you got them. 
I won't have my party shoes soiled by your handling. 

Geoegianna (sets slipper down beside her foot, holds up 
her dress, sees there is no chance of its going on, so puts both 
away. Sobs). Yaller Sue 

Virginia (exasperated). I declare, you're downright un- 
grateful ! What are you crying about now ? 

Georgianna. If Mistah Fred was home I knows he'd say I 
cud have dat pair of cloth slippers what he plays base ball in. 
(Sobs) 

Madge (relieved). I believe he would, and they'd fit you. 
I'll get them. [EXITS d. r. 

Georgianna (brightening). Oh, ma honey, yo' is mine! 
(Sings any coon song and primps before the mirror till Madge 
returns) 

ENTER Madge d. r. carrying a pair of tennis shoes. 

Madge. How will those do with your bridal finery? 

Georgianna (cocking her head on one side and eyeing the 
shoes doubtfully). Dey's pow'ful dirty. Cuden' y'all paint 'em 
white to go wid de dress? (Tableau of astonishment.) 

Jane. Give me your chalk, Madge. We might as well do 
the thing up brown while we're at it. (Madge hands her box 
of chalk from closet. Jane sits l. and rubs it on shoes) 

Georgianna. Leave a plenty fo' my face. 

Emma. " Face '. " 

Georgianna. Yassum, of co'se. Yo' doan 'spec Fze gwine 
befo' de preacha lookin' black ez a thundah cloud, does yo'? 
(Takes a piece of chalk and rubs it on her face) 

Virginia (sarcastically). I reckon you'll want your Dails 
manicured too. 

Georgianna (at dresser). Dat red stuff in dem lil boxes 
'ud look pow'ful pritty on my cheeks. (Puts some on) 



20 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Jane. Madge, Madge ! That is an awful give-away on you. 
(Throws shoes at Geobgianna) 

Madge (indignantly). I never painted in my life. 

Geobgianna (sits on floor, puts on shoes, stands and looks 
admiringly at her feet. Shuffles first one and then the other. 
Reaches over and tries to hold them still. Still shuffling). 
Bring me de hammah an' some nails, big nails. (Still shuffl- 
ing) 

Jane. What do you want with them? 

Georgianna. I wants to fasten dem foots to de flo' so's 
dey'll keep still. 

Emma. Aren't ten nails enough for two feet? 

Geobgianna. De preacha'd tu'n me outen de chu'eh quicker 
'an scat fer dancin' ! an' (Plaintively) dey jes' won't keep still. 
(Points to her feet, keeps shuffling, and finally gives way and 
dances a break-down. The girls all stand watching her and 
they cut fancy steps too. Jane pais her hands and all sing 
the chorus of some coon song. Geobgianna stops exhausted, 
claps hand to her head where her hair has come down; dis- 
mayed) Wha', wha', wha's my puffs? (Runs behind girls and 
examines their hair. Finds puffs on floor, picks them up, goes 
to mirror and pins them on, using a quantity of hairpins) 

Madge. Georgianna, you leave my hair pins alone. (Goes 
to dresser) Oh, you've taken the last one of them! (Grabs 
her by arm and swings her away) 

Geobgianna (takes little steps, swings out of d. b., returns 
with Vieginia's hat which has a white veil draped around it). 
I thought brides alius woah veils. 

Vibginia. I'm the one she's levied on this time. Oh, why 
didn't I wear a sunbonnet as you did, Jane? 

Emma (teasingly). They do, Janna, great long veils that 
hang to the bottom of their dresses, — wrap them all up like a 
sheet. They're not brides if they don't. 

Georgianna. An' float out behind? 

Emma. Of course not. 

Geobgianna. Not even when dey walks fas'? 

Jane. Brides who know their business don't rush up to the 
altar as though it was a bargain counter. 

Geobgianna. But wouldn't I look jes' sweet 'ith a lil one 
floatin' straight out, jes' ez I passes Yaller Sue? Yas sir-ee! 
Dat suah ud look lovely, an' ud wave like de white roostah's 
tail on a windy day. 

Vibginia. I give in, though it's the only decent veil I 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 21 

possess. Give me the hat. (Takes off veil and hands it to 
Georgian na) 

Georgianna. Miss Gin, yo' is de sweetes' gal in dis worl'. 
I most know yo' ez gwine ketch dat strange gemman. 

Emma {rolling up sash and throwing it at her). Janna, 
take that back. You know I'm the one who's going to catch him. 

Georgianna. Now, Miss Em ! Atter what Mistah George 
done tole yo' down by dat rose bush in y'alls gahdin? 
(Laughter from all. Emma ties sash on Georgianna, who 
won't stand still) 

Madge. Hand over those shoes, if you say I'm not going 
to land Mr. What's-his-name. (Brandishes scissors) 

Jane. That's my cloth. That dress belongs to me. You 
haven't cooked a meal for me yet to pay for it. 

Georgianna. Yes, I ez payed fer it. It's y'alls calf now; 
an' ef he eats up en'thin' moa' of mine I suah will bust him 
wid a rock. But dat man, he gwine fall in luv 'ith evehy one 
of you', y'all so pritty. 

All. We forgive you. 

Georgianna (clasping her hands and gazing at a bunch of 
paper floivers). A wreaf is jes' what I needs. 

Madge. Those dirty old things! I intended to throw them 
in the fire. They'll not do. 

Georgianna. Willum Henry cudden' see de dirt at night. 
(Scornfully) Why, dat nigger doan know nuffin' 'bout wim- 
min's cloze nohow. (Girls stare at her, wilted) 

Madge. It strikes me we've been a trifle taken in. (Gives 
flowers to Georgianna, who fixes the veil on ivith them) 

Georgianna (switching about, patting her chest). Here's 
de vehy place fer a bres' pin. 

Emma. A breastpin ! Will it be a lorgnette chain or a gold 
vinagrette next? 

Georgianna. Jes' a lil one, a ole one, to pin right here. 

Madge (opens dresser drawer and takes out jewelry box). 
Well, here's one I'll lend you, and then you'll be fixed. Some- 
thing old, that's the shoes ; something new, that's the dress ; 
something borrowed, the pin; and something blue, the ribbon 
round your neck. If you are not the luckiest of brides it's not 
our fault. 

Virginia. There hasn't been so fine a bride since the queen 
was married. 

Georgianna. Uh-huh ! 

Jane. That beats a shroud a little bit, doesn't it? 



22 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Georgianna. It suah do. (Opening her arms wide) An' I 
hopes de las' one of you'll git married befo' Christmus. 

Aunt Juliette (off stage). Whar am dat gal? (Georgi- 
anna starts and listens) Whar am dat no-count huzzy? 
(Georgianna slips across to wardrobe door and waits. Foot- 
steps and thumps come nearer) Whar dat trifling thievin' 
Gawganna Clay? (Georgianna darts into wardrobe) 

ENTER Aunt Juliette c. d. carrying a stick. 

Emma. What girl, auntie? 

Juliette (peering around). Dat Janna, dat wuffless nigger. 

Virginia. What do you want with her? 

Juliette. I wants tuh weah dis hick'ry tuh a frazzle ovah 
her back. Dat's what I wants. 

Madge. Why, what has Janna done? 

Juliette. Done? Dat nigger done stole my shroud. 

Madge. How do you know she did it? (All attentive) 

Juliette. I knows. I seed her a-eyin' my buro draw' when 
she come tuh see me 'esteddy. Huh ! She ain't been tuh see 
ole Julyette fur ovah a yeah. An' she ax me is I still got dem 
ole grave cloze, or is I cal'latin' tuh git new ones befo' I dies. 
Den dis mawnin' I uz a passin' day house, an' long come a 
ca'f outen de yahd 'ith a lil scrap uv cloth a-hangin' fum its 
mouf. I put dat scrap in my pocket, — doan know what made 
me, — an' when I come home dis evenin' I uz a-feelin' poo'ly, so 
I look f er my shroud an' 'twahnt dar ; but dat lil rag uz paht 
uv hit. Den I recommenbah how she an' Yaller Sue hab 
been narratin' roun' dat dey gwine git married to-night, dough 
dey on'ey got one beau 'tween 'em ; an' I knowed, in reason, 'at 
Janna ain' got no dress an' uz too bigity tuh step up, des 
anyhow befo' folks; so I uz plum suttin she got my shroud 
while I uz out in de yahd a-watchin' a hawk she say uz atter 
my chickens. I'll hawk her. I'll dress her, when I finds her. 
Whar she am? Tell me whar she am. 

Emma. Why, auntie, what are you making such a fuss about 
an old shroud for? A young woman like you won't be needing 
one for twenty years. 

Juliette (pleased, but determined). Yo' hesh yo' foolish- 
ness, chile. I tells yo' I'ze had a waunin' tuh be prepared. 

Jane. Pshaw! That was years ago, and you're alive and 
well this minute. 

Madge. Perhaps Georgianna had a warning too. 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 23 

Juliette. I reckon she did, bein' ez I can't fin' her here. 
(Starts to leave) 

Virginia. What is a warning like, auntie? Can you really 
tell things that are going to happen? 

Juliette (with mingled pride in her powers, and reluctant 
to acknowledge it}. Yo' see, honey, I uz horned 'ith a caul. 
Cose I kin see t'ings. 

Virginia. Could you tell what was going to happen to me? 

Juliette. 'Haps I mought. 

Virginia. Do, then, auntie. I'll give you a dime if you'll 
tell my fortune. 

Juliette. Can't do it, chile, can't do it. Dey'd tu'n me outen 
de chu'ch ef I did. Dey suah would. 

Virginia. Oh, please, Aunt Juliette! 

Juliette. No, No! 

Emma. Do, Aunt Jule, and I'll make you a cake next Sat- 
urday. 

Juliette. No, Ma'm. Ole Julyette ud like moughty well 
tuh set her toof in dat cake, Missy, but she dassen' do dat. 

Madge. And I'll give you a big slice of ham to take home for 
your supper. 

Juliette. No, Ma'm ! What ef I shud be taken away soon 
ez dey'd tu'ned me outen de chu'ch? Whar'd I go den? No, 
Ma'm! (Pounding with her stick) 

Virginia. Nobody would know. We would never tell. 

Juliette. Dey'd fin' out somehow. No, MA'M! 

Jane. I'll tell you where Janna is if you'll tell my fortune, 
Aunt Jule. (Juliette wavers) Get the coffee pot, Madge. 
(Madge EXITS d. l.) Think how you can whip that girl to 
pay for robbing you, a poor old woman. 

Emma. If I were you, I wouldn't leave a whole bone in her 
body. The idea of anybody being mean enough to rob you of 
your grave clothes. (Georgianna opens the door and peeps 
out, shaking her head reproachfully at Jane and Emma) 

Juliette. An' you'll nevah tell on me, nary a wud? 

All. Not a single word. 

ENTER Madge with coffee pot and cup, d. l. 

Juliette. Wal. Shet de do' tight. (Madge shuts the door 
"but Georgianna opens the wardrobe door wider) 

Virginia. Me first. 

Juliette. Jes' shake de pot an' po' out a cup, an' evehy 
one uv y'alls take a sip an' twis' de cup 'roun' while yo' make 



24 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

yo' wish, an' I'll tell 'em all t' once. (Madge pours out coffee, 
all sip and turn the cup and are silent, showing they are 
thinking what to wish. Georgianna opens the door wide and 
Jane motions for her to slip across the room and out. Juliette 
gazing into the cup) I sees a power uv wuck done. 

Jane. That's so. 

Juliette. Somebody been mighty mad. 

Emma. Zimri and I had a serious falling out. 

Juliette. Tears, heaps uv tears. 

Madge (aside). Janna's tears. She flooded the room with 
them. 

Juliette (turning toward viardrobe door. Georgianna 
hastily pulls it to) Heah's a beau. A fine han'sum gemman. 

Virginia. Oh, goody! Tell some more about him. 

Jane (aside). That nigger'll die shut up in the closet this 
hot day. (Aloud) You can see better over here, Auntie. 
(Juliette turns and Jane motions for Georgianna to escape) 

Juliette. He's close at han' — (Georgianna opens the door) 
Right at de do' — (Georgianna creeps across the room) To- 
night. (Georgianna stops to listen) Yas, suh, he's jes' de 
fines' kin' uv a man. 

Georgianna {aside). Ain't it de trufe? (All motion 
Georgianna to be careful) 

Juliette. Heah's flowahs an' fine fixin's, new dress, new 
shoes — (Georgianna nods emphatically) Yas, suh, heah's a 
weddin' right at han'. Somebody in dis vehy room gwine git 
married befo' notha sun-up. 

Georgianna. Whoop ! Glory ! Dat's me an' Willum Henry. 
(Dances wildly about the room) 

Juliette (drops the cup, seizes stick and chases after 
Georgianna). Yo' lyin' huzzy! Yo' thievin' houn' ! Teck 
off dem fine cloze ur I'll cut 'em off 'ith dis whup. Teck 'em 
off an' gee 'em to me fer my grave cloze ur I'll bust yo' head. 

Georgianna (horrified). Not my weddin' dress! No, ma'm. 
Dese yhere is a heap bettah 'an yo' ole shroud. I'll pay yo' 
fer dat. I'll gee yo' my calf to pay fer it. (Dodging Juliette's 
bloivs) 

Girls. Why, you gave the calf to us ! 

Georgianna. Oh, y'alls oodn't hab sech a po', measly lil calf 
ez dat. Aunt Julyette, yo' kin sholy hab dat calf. 

Juliette. Doan want no calf. Wants dat dress tab be 
buried in. Take it off dis minit. Take it off ur I'll des nat- 
shully teah de hide offen dat back uv yourn. 



Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 25 

Virginia. Oh, Auntie, let her have it. You can sell the 
calf and buy a heap finer shroud than the one you had. 

Juliette. Dat'll do fer me. Take it off. 

Geoegianna {whines). Des wait till to-morrow, Aunt Jule, 
den I'll bring it to yo' soon in de mawnin'. 

Juliette. Yas, an' you'd switch roun' dis place till it uz too 
dirty fer me to peah 'mong de angels in, case I uz called away 
in de night. Take it off. (Brandishing her stick) 

Geoegianna (looking wildly around for help). Please, 
ma'm, let me weah it, jes' to-night. 

Juliette. Yo' heahed* what I sed. Take it off ur I'll conjur 
yo'. (Geoegianna falls in a despairing heap on the floor) 

Jane (reprovingly). Why, Aunt Juliette, I thought you 
were a church member. You ought not to be so unmerciful. 

Geoegianna (inspired, rises from the floor and faces Juliette 
triumphantly). Take off nuffin'. What yo' reckon I'ze gwine 
take off my fine new weddin' dress an' gee it to yo' fer? Go 
'way fum here an' hesh yo' fuss, ole lady, ur I'll 'pote yo' to 
de chu'ch fer habbin' dealin's wid de debble. (Points to the 
cap) Yo' knows dey's had yo' up in chu'ch time an' again fer 
dat vehy t'ing. Den, if yo' uz to die to-night, — 'stid of risin' 
straight to glory, yo' udn't be needin' no grave cloze. De Ole 
Boy ud jes' come fer yo' an' dar udn't be enthin' tuh hoi' a 
funeral ovah, spozen any preacha ud preach ovah such a sin- 
nan. 

Juliette (scared). Yo' hesh, nigger, yo' ain't gwine 'pote 
me. 

Geoegianna. I suah is. I'ze gwine straight to de deacons 
dis minit. (Starts toward c. D.) 

Juliette. Janna ! (Grabs at her dress) I'ze a ole 
ooman 

Geoegianna. I know yo' is. Doan look like yo' cud las' till 
mawnin'. I'ze gwine — (Pulls away from Juliette) 

Juliette (imploringly) . Look heah, gal, I ain't meanin' no 
hahm; jes' musin' de young leddies. (Cries) 

Geoegianna. Projecin' wid de debble, I calls it; an' dat's 
what de chu'ch gwine call it, too. An' talkin' 'bout cunjurin' 
folks ! De chu'ch'll deal 'ith yo' to-night. 

Madge. Now, Janna, don't be hard on Aunt Juliette. See 
how she is crying. You know you did treat her shamefully. 

Juliette. I ain't nuvah meant tuh hahm yo', gaL Who sed 
enthin' 'bout cunjurin'? 

Geoegianna. Yo' did. De preacha 



26 Georgianna's Wedding Gown. 

Juliette. Wal, I knows I ain' gwine do nuffin' uv de kin' 
tun yo\ 

Geobgianna (determined to rub it in). It am' what yo' sed 
yo' gwine do; it's what yo' done did. (Pointing to the cup) 

Juliette. Tears like my time's a-comin' to-night. Please, 
Janna, doan' 'pote me. (Whimpering) 

Geobgianna. 'Cose I is. Look at my sash, how yo' yerked 
the bow out. 

Madge. Behave yourself, Janna. 

Emma. To act so mean, after all we've done for you. You 
ought to be ashamed of yourself. 

Jane. I'll tell William Henry you're a perfect cat. 

Vibginia. Give me back that veil. 

Geobgianna (clapping her hand to her head where the veil 
is fastened and speaking magnanimously, pointing majestically 
toward c. d.). Wal, quit yo' foolishness, ole lady. Teck yo' 
calf an' g'on. I ain't got time to botha 'ith yo'. Vze got 
WILLUM HENRY. 

CURTAIN. 



NEW PLAYS 



PEREGRINATIONS OF POLLY, The. 15 cents, a comedietta 

in 1 act, by Helen P. Kane. 3 female characters. 1 plain interior scene. Time, 
about 45 minutes. Polly and Margaret, bachelor maids, being invited to attend a 
musicale, determine to exchange escorts. The result may not have been such as was 
intended, but certainly was one to have been expected. The dialogue throughout is 
brilliant and snappy, the action quick, thus ensuring a success for this bright sketch. 

RELATIONS. 15 cents. A farcical skit in i act, by George M. Rosener. 
3 male, i female character. i interior scene. Time, about 20 minutes. An inimit- 
able sketch full of rapid repartee and rollicking M situations," Billie is a whole team 
in himself ; his uncle and brother-in-law force the fun, but Billie comes out on top. 
The action is unflagging and irresistibly funny. 

RAPS* 15 cents. t A vaudeville sketch in 1 act, by Eleanor Maud Crane. 

male characters. 1 interior scene. Time, about 3ominutes. An exceedingly bright 
dialogue between an Irish carpenter and a slightly intoxicated gilded youth. Full of 
44 patter" and "get backs." 

WARDROBE OF THE KING, The. 15 cents, a burlesque in 

X act, by William J. McKiernan. 7 male, 1 female (played by male) character. 

1 exterior scene. Time, 1 hour. Costumes grotesque and fantastic. An amusing bur- 
lesque for boys, easily produced, full of bright situations, and sure to make a hit. The 
play may be staged very simply, or made as elaborate as the producer sees fit. Be- 
sides the eight speaking parts, the company of officers, suite of the King and Queen, 
etc., may utilize any number of persons. By the introduction of specialties the time 
of the play can be considerably lengthened. 

ROYAL CINCH, A. 25 cents. A farce comedy in 3 acts, by Frank 
H. Bernard. 2 male, 3 female characters. 1 interior, 1 exterior scene. Time, x% 
hours. A fantastic comedy, simple in plot, but cunningly contrived and cumulative 
in its development. The darkey waiter and the pert housemaid are surpassingly 
comical parts. 

HOOSIER SCHOOL, The. IS cents. A farcical sketch in 1 act, by 
William and Josephine Giles. 5 males, 5 females, 4 of whom can be boys and 4 girls. 
1 interior scene. Time, about 30 minutes. A realistic picture of a district school 
in a small Western village. The rough and ready teacher and his tricky scholars keep 
the audience in a roar. The teacher is finally squelched by the irate mother of one 
of his pupils. The piece is cleverly worked out and full of funny incidents. 

SCRUBTO W SEWING CIRCLE'S THANKSGIVING, The. 

A 5 cents. An old ladies' sociable, by Maude L. Hall. 6 female characters. 1 in- 
terior scene. Time, 35 minutes. A characteristic entertainment in which, among 
other interesting incidents, each of the old ladies gives her reasons for thankfulness. 
An all star study of character with an unusual send off. 

DOLLY'S DOUBLE. 1 5 cents. A musical vaudeville sketch in i act, 
by Charles Stuart, i male and i female character assuming two parts. i interior 
scene. Time, 20 minutes. An exceedingly humorous conception, bright, catchy 
and original, leading through several stages to a clever climax. 

JOHN'S EMMY. IS cents. A vaudeville sketch in one act, by Charles 
Stuart, i male, 1 female character. 1 interior scene. Time, about 20 minutes. A 
methodical old bookworm awaits a young girl who is to be his ward. An entirely 
different girl arrives, who summarily subjugates him. The action is rapid, crisp, and 
full of comicalities. A capital character study for both performers. 

TOM COBB J Of Fortune's Toy. 1 5 cents. Farcical comedy in 3 
acts, by W. S. Gilbert. 6 male, 4 female characters. Time, x% hours. Modern 
costumes. Tom Cobb^ at the instigation of his friend, Whipple, pretends to be dead 
in order to escape his creditors. He makes a will and leaves everything to Matilda, 
daughter of Col. O 1 Fipp, in whose house he has been lodging. Tom is unexpectedly 
left a fortune, which is taken possession of by the Colonel, and Tom has great difficulty 
in recovering it. 



NEW PLAYS 

William and Josephine £2b P^ats , fenS!^ „f A . farcical £<*<* in t act, by 
I interior scene. Time, about to m?m,?A 5 a ,'- 4 . ?f whom can be bo ys and 4 g rls 

of his pnpiis. The piece ^S^^A'SffiH^^S^ *~ 

... ce^TOSS^bi i^^FLT?^^ ^^^. 

o-e^ 

An all star study of character with an unusual send oft reaS ° nS f ° r thank '«lness. 

by Charles Stuart, i ma le and tfe^fh. A J"" 8 ' 03 ' vaudevi "e sketch in 1 act 
scene.. Time, to minuJef An exSedinrlv hZ assum,n S 'wo parts. , inter"; 
and origmal, leading through severafstagesTo I cl"uma^ eP " 0n, ^^ "•"** 

^^^.SFcha^c^* 8 ; in^S sk |!oh in one act, by Charles 

methodical old bookworm awaits a vounV^H !! ? / iT "??» about 2 ° mi nutes. A 
different girl arrives, who summariirsu^uS Jhfm The hl f ■ ^ -, An entire £ 
full of comicalities. A capital cha4te?s^ ra P ld > cris P» anS 

acts, J^sS^ ««oto ? Farcical comedy in 3 

costumes. Tarn Cobb, at th f instigation Shis ffgS^SF* * H h °? rS ' Mod "™ 
in order to escape his creditors. He makes a will 111 F ht ** U i pretends to be dead 
daughter of C*/. 6>'Fz>/, in whose We 1i A«V T? S ever y thing to Jl/irffltfa, 
left a fortune, which iffaken ^ossessfon of bv the r,T ^'"fV ^T is ^expectedl^ 
in recovering it. possession ot by the Colonel, and Tom has great difficulty 

DELEGATES FROM DENVER. The *« „ * 

comedy in 2 acts, by Samuel N. Clark Vmale i? ? S £* nU * A farci <*l 
scenes. Time, 45 minutes. ilf*w^fe a c^dl^ P characters. 2 interior 

Sorority which meets at Boston t /ST* W cand, j iate 1 _for president of the Eta Pi 
as she purposes if elected t^^^ ft 1 }?' * ut % de ^rsher answer 

from Denver decline to attend • John and Ed^rfJ, h \ Soront y- T ™ delegates 
against -Margaret, and also to prevent herfrora feoln* t P n rJ? ^^ th , em and vote 
succeeds, but it ends in discovery .explanation^ £/£ ^ Their plan P ar "ally 

ty H B5^^(S^&Jfc,isr ^A-s* ^ ! » * -. 

"^iss^^^ 




'5$S$S$SSS9SSJSS S SS$S& 




MILITARY PLAYS 

25 CENTS EACH 

M. P. 

BY THE ENEMY'S HAND. 4 Acts; 2 hours 10 4 

EDWARDS, THE SPY. 5 Acts; 2y 2 hours 10 4 

PRISONER OF ANDERSONVILLE. 4 Acts; 2^ hours.. 10 4 

CAPTAIN DICK. 3 Acts; V& hours 9 6 

ISABEL, THE PEARL, OF CUBA. 4 Acts; 2 hours 9 3 

LITTLE SAVAGE. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting 4 4 

BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. (15 cents.) 5 Acts; 2^ hours 9 3 

BETWEEN TWO FIRES. (15 cents.) 3 Acts; 2 hours 8 3 



RURAL PLAYS 

25 CENTS EACH 

MAN FROM MAINE. 5 Acts; 2*4 hours 9 

AMONG THE BERKSHIRES. 3 Acts; 2^ hours 8 

OAK FARM. 3 Acts; 2*4 hours; 1 Stage Setting 7 

GREAT WINTERSON MINE. 3 Acts; 2 hours 6 

SQUIRE THOMPKINS' DAUGHTER. 5 Acts; 2)4 hours 5 

WHEN A MAN'S SINGLE. 3 Acts; 2 hours 4 

FROM PUNKIN RIDGE. (15 cents.) 1 Act; lhour... 6 

LETTER FROM HOME. (15 cents.) 1 Act; 25 minutes 1 




ENTERTAINMENTS 

25 CENTS EACH 

AUNT DINAH'S QUILTING PARTY. 1 Scene 5 11 

BACHELOR MAIDS' REUNION. 1 Scene 2 30 

IN THE FERRY HOUSE. 1 Scene; l^hours 19 15 

JAPANESE WEDDING. 1 Scene; lhour 3 10 

MATRIMONIAL EXCHANGE. 2 Acts; 2 hours 6 9 

OLD PLANTATION NIGHT. 1 Scene; 1J4 hours 4 4 

YE VILLAGE SKEWL OF LONG AGO. 1 Scene. 13 12 

FAMILIAR FACES OF A FUNNY FAMILY 8 11 

JOLLY BACHELORS. Motion Song or Recitation 11 

CHRISTMAS MEDLEY. 30 minutes 15 14 

EASTER TIDINGS. 20 minutes 8 

BUNCH OF ROSES. (15 cents.) 1 Act; 1^ hours 1 13 

OVER THE GARDEN WALL. (15 cents) 11 

DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 18 Ann Street, N. Y 




g 



1 



\ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

II II llllliillB 

016 102 306 1 




&$&$$&$$$$&&< 




COMEDIES AND DRAMAS 

25 CENTS EACH 

M. F. 

BREAKING HIS BONDS. 4 Acts; 2houre 6 3 

BUTTERNUT'S BRIDE. 3 Acts; 2J£ hours 11 6 

COLLEGE CHUMS. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting 9 3 

COUNT OF NO ACCOUNT. 3 Acts; 2^ hours 9 4 

DEACON. 5 Acts; 2^ hours 8 6 

DELEGATES PROM DEFTER. 2 Acts; 46 minutes 3 10 

DOCTOR BY COURTESY. 3Acts;2hours 6 5 

E ASTSIDERS, The. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting 8 4 

ESCAPED FROM THE LAW. 5 Acts; 2 hours 7 4 

GIRL FROM PORTO RICO. 3 Acts; 2^ hours 5 3 

GYPSY QUEEN. 4 Acts; 2}4 hours 5 3 

IN THE ABSENCE OF SUSAN. 3Acts; V& hours 4 6 

JAILBIRD. 5 Acts; 2J^ hours , 6 3 

JOSIAH'S COURTSHIP. 4Acts;2hours 7 4 

MY LADY DARRELL. 4 Acts; 2\& hours 9 6 

MY UNCUS FROM INDIA. 4 Acts; 2*6 hours 13 4 

NEXT DOOR. 3Acts;2hours 6 4 

PHYLLIS'S INHERITANCE. 3Acts; 2hours 6 9 

REGULAR FLIRT. 3 Acts; 2 hours 4 4 

ROGUE'S LUCK. 3Acts;2hours 5 3 

SQUIRE'S STRATAGEM. 5 Acts ; ^ hours 6 4 

STEEL KING. 4 Acts; 2}4 hours 5 3 

WHAT'S NEXT? 3 Acts; Z±i hours 7 4 

WHITE LIE. 4Acts; 2)4 hours 4 8 




WESTERN PLAYS 

25 CENTS EACH 

ROCKY FORD. 4 Acts; 2 hours 8 3 

GOLDEN" GULCH. 3Acte; 2^4 hours 11 3 

RED ROSETTE. 3 Acts; 2 hours 6 3 

MISS MOSHER OF COLORADO. 4 Acts; 2M hours. ... 5 3 

STUBBORN MOTOR CAR. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting 7 4 

CRAWFORD'S CLAIM. (15 cents.) 3 Acts; 234 hours. 9 3 

DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 18 Ann Street, N. Y, 




